The culinary scene in Pittsburgh has taken huge strides forward over the past decade. It used to be nothing but a shot and beer to wash down your burger and wings. But things have really come around with some executive chefs now on the scene. Follow these guidelines for a sucessful venture into fine dining in Pittsburgh:

Eleven
http://www.bigburrito.com/eleven/
A relative newcomer, this restuarant receives top marks not only for the food but for the decor. It's sure to impress. Make sure your expense account can handle it though.

Trilogy
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05307/...
A hidden gem downtown. The Post Gazette reviewer seems to enjoy and it is backed up by another food critic, me :)

Soba
http://www.bigburrito.com/soba/
In case you're wondering, Big Burrito is a locally run restaurant management group. They do a great job with all of their restaurants and hire top talent to man their kitchens. On top of that, they do not skimp on the design of any of their restaurants. Prepare to be wowed as you walk into the Asian themed Soba. The cuisine is on par with the decor, very good.

Enrico's Ristorante
http://www.enricos-shadyside.com/
Italian restaurants are plentiful in Pittsburgh but this is one of the best. So many Italian restuarants focus on the rustic Italian. This is actual fine dining Italian such as what you might find in Rome or Milan.

LeMont
http://www.lemontpittsburgh.com/
In my opinion, overpriced and not all that great, but many people love this place. If wasn't on the top of Mount Washington with an incredible view of downtown I would say skip it all together. If you want to dine on Mount Washington but don't want to pay the huge price to dine here, try the more affordable Monterey Bay or for casual dining, Grandview Saloon.